SAKI Unit Secures Indictment of Marcus Leonard for Multiple Sex Crimes Against Juveniles

New Orleans, LA – Today, Attorney Ian Kersting of the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s

Office Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) Unit formally presented the case against Marcus

Leonard for 1st Degree Rape, Sexual Battery of a child under 13, and Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile, stemming from repeated predatory acts committed against two youths.

The Orleans Parish Grand Jury returned indictments for a combined Ten (10) criminal Counts, which include: 1st Degree Rape (4 counts), Sexual Battery of a child under 13 (4 counts), and Indecent Behavior with a Juvenile (2 counts), and those charges have now been formally filed in Criminal District Court. SAKI Unit Attorneys and support staff will now prepare this matter for trial to complete the prosecution of Marcus Leonard.

Leonard’s predatory conduct, which is known to target children, represents a clear and present danger to the youth and families of this community. Therefore, OPDA is asking anyone who may have been targeted to please contact their New Orleans Police Department immediately by dialing 911 or visiting the District Precinct. We want to ensure Marcus Leonard is held fully accountable for all harm he has inflicted. Timely cooperation from the community is crucial in our collective effort to hold this defendant fully responsible and prevent future incidents.